Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
H
ISTORY
Pre-1900
Cement, lye, soap, explosives, dyes, paint, fertilizer, chemicals
based on coal
1920s-30s
Cellophane and rayon (based on wood), medicinals,
photographic chemicals, nylon, plastics
1940s
Synthetic rubber, pesticides, plastic films, chemicals based on
petroleum
1950s
Engineering plastics, preservatives, new catalysts
1960s
Foreign investment, lower prices, performance improvements,
pollution awareness
1970s
Energy and feedstock problems, higher raw materials costs
1980s
Imports, environment, and health concerns
1990s
Global industry, governmental regulations
Industrial chemistry is barely 100 years old, but tremendous developments
were made during that time because of advances in basic chemical and engi-
neering science. These advances resulted from research efforts conducted
within chemical industry laboratories as well as in university laboratories.
During the 1950s, the nature of the industry changed from emphasis on
development of totally new products to refinement of existing types of
products. In recent years, product refinements have been guided by concerns
about human health and protection of the environment.
